PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

DISTRIBUTION

The length of the Himalayas, Assam, western and northern Myanmar, southern China, northern Vietnam. Introduced in Hawaiian islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, and Kaua'i, though now possibly extinct on last island.

HABITAT

Undergrowth of secondary forests and bamboo stands, gardens.

BEHAVIOR

Found in groups, which, when perched, typically maintain close bodily contact with frequent mutual preening. In winter, moves to lower elevations.

REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY

Apparent group courtship, followed by pairs separating off and setting up territories. Distinctive male territorial song. Both sexes build cup-shaped nest from a variety of plant materials and cocoon silk. Usual clutch three to four greenish white, variously speckled eggs.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Not threatened. Massive exploitation for cage bird trade led to listing as CITES Appendix II in 1997. China banned commercial export of songbirds in 2001. Mysterious, brightly colored L. lutea astleyi may represent a population trapped to extinction.